Proposed ban on Big Bend border wall fails in U.S. House funding panel

Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar sought to bar the Trump administration from using federal funds to build border barriers in the national park, which is rarely traversed by migrants.
Texas death row inmate asks Supreme Court to allow appeal challenging hypnotized witness

Charles Flores wants to use Texas’ “junk science” law to appeal his conviction, saying it was improperly based on testimony from a neighbor who was hypnotized by police.
Texas’ charter school boom may soon bust, experts caution

Texas’ charters continued growing this school year, but the pace slowed. Experts warn that the enrollment drop facing traditional school districts could also affect charters.
Texas high schoolers show gains across all subjects on STAAR tests

Pandemic disruptions put many children behind, but newly released end-of-course results show students making progress.
Abbott recommends sweeping data center regulation, including eliminating sales tax exemption

The recommendations for legislative action amount to a striking call for industry regulation by the Republican governor in a state that has long prided itself on being a favorable environment for business.
How bad will drought be in Texas? Rio Grande Valley farmers are bracing for the worst.

The Rio Grande Valley typically grows between 60 to 80 million acres of fresh produce annually, but that has declined over the years due to drought.
The Tribune introduces 11 summer fellows

Our fellowship program offers college students and recent graduates hands-on professional experience in one the country’s most innovative news organizations.
Screwworm outbreak hits vacant Texas congressional district, as leading candidates scramble to assist

Gov. Greg Abbott has not yet scheduled a special election for the 23rd Congressional District, which was previously represented by disgraced ex-Rep. Tony Gonzales.
TribCast: How big of a threat is screwworm?

In this week’s episode, the TribCast team talks to Phillip Kaufman, head of Texas A&M’s entomology department, and Josh Winegarner from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association about the arrival of screwworm in Texas.
New pro-Talarico super PAC wants to give GOP voters “permission to defect”

Moment of Truth PAC, launched by a bipartisan group of campaign operatives, is aiming to spend a staggering $62 million. Much of it would be used to spotlight Ken Paxton’s controversies.